YACT: Replacing a windshield.

[eminemrh25]

Well first of all, im only 16 and i have to pay for just about everything I got..

Anyways here is the story,

I bought a 1988 200SX from my Friend. Its white, door panels are a little ripped up and its missing a peice to hold the stereo in, and a cracked windshield.

Anyway, I was looking for a replacement piece to hold the stereo, yes, its so ghetto that if I slam on my breaks my stereo falls out. I really wouldn't care if it is a $30 deck, but this is a $200 Pioneer my friend gave me. I couldn't find it online anywhere, but then my other friend IMs me and says he found another 200SX

Well, this 200SX had an engine fire, doesn't run. Seller wants to just get rid of the whole thing for $50. I called, and the door panels have already been removed, but it has a non cracked windshield and the plastic part, I just have to haul the car somehwere.

Well, I know how to do the plastic part, but how do I replace the windshield by myself? I've replaced fenders and replaced engine hoses, and minor body work, and thats about it...

any ideas on how to do it?

 

[LordUnum]

In removing the windshield, you'll probably destroy the moldings, so you'll need those (either via dealer or aftermarket). Then you'll probably need some sealer/glue of some sort, which'll probably be the much cheaper of the two. Worse than any price you'd pay in parts is the sheer work and frayed nerves that'll go into removing two windshields (on the junk car and yours), and keeping the good one intact as you install it on your ride. Also, the $50 you're about to pay for that junk car would go 1/4 of the way towards getting the dinged windshield on my Bimmer replaced, labor & parts--not at the dealer of course! You might need to look around a little to find a comparable deal for quality windshield glass in your area.

Coming from someone who's done everything short of tearing up an engine on a car, I'd much rather wait & save up to have it replaced by the pros. The ordeal you'd likely save yourself is priceless.

 

[isekii]

have you checked safelite? their prices are pretty reasonable and they come to you to do the work.

 

[jagec]

Windshield replacement = $200, 250 or so if you're paying cash (ie not through insurance).

But if it's just cracked, I'd learn to live with it until it actually starts leaking.

 

[eminemrh25]

Originally posted by: jagec
Windshield replacement = $200, 250 or so if you're paying cash (ie not through insurance).

But if it's just cracked, I'd learn to live with it until it actually starts leaking.

Its not leaking, I just can't stand it. Cops around here pull people over for ****** like that, and for the next 6 months I can't be pulled over...

 

[RiDE]

Originally posted by: isekii
have you checked safelite? their prices are pretty reasonable and they come to you to do the work.

My friend just had his replaced by those guys today for $200. Looks pretty good. Infiniti wanted $900 for the glass alone... $1200 installed.

 

[eminemrh25]

Wow that is pretty cheap!

All State Auto Glass wanted $700

 

[jemcam]

Windshields in cars for the last 20 years or so are not just held in with any old type of glue or epoxy. In today's unibody cars, the windshields are actually engineered to be a part of the unibody structure and they are held in with a special urethane. Not to mention that a leaking windshield is not only a nuisance, it can damage the car when all that water runs down inside the dash and ruins electronics.

Removing the old windshield is very difficult too. It is possible to remove it with a tool made of piano wire with two wooden handles on each end but that is very difficult and not recommended. The best and fastest way to remove a windshield is with a special tool that cuts the urethane but does not damage the pain on the car.

I'd highly recommend not even trying to replace the windshield. But if you do, please let us know what the results were. : )